Prediction: Portland Timbers vs Vancouver Whitecaps

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet

Two sides who are desperate to find a route into the Final Series spots, Portland will welcome Vancouver to Providence Park in the early hours of Monday.

Portland Timbers

Starting with the hosts, while Portland might have continued to show some inconsistencies this season, they are enjoying a much-needed recent boost. Putting in a hugely impressive display last weekend as they stormed their way to a thumping 3-0 victory against Seattle on the road, it appears that the mood in Giovanni Savarese’s camp is at the highest it has been all season. Looking to lay down another marker in the early hours when they return to Providence Park, the Timbers are in the midst of a five-match unbeaten run. Likewise, after winning three of their last four MLS outings, it should also be noted that Portland have found a real clinical edge in the final third. Including another 3-0 romp when they faced off against Colorado on home soil last month, Savarese’s high-flying squad have now bagged 11 goals on their five-match unbeaten run.

Team News

Now bagging four goals in as many outings, the red-hot Jaroslaw Niezgoda will spearhead Portland’s charge in the early hours of Monday morning.

After claiming that thumping 3-0 win away at Seattle last weekend, Savarese could once again be tempted to name the same starting XI here.

Vancouver Whitecaps

As for the visitors, after managing to snatch a late 2-2 draw away at Cincinnati earlier in the week, Vancouver will be desperate to build off of those positives. Although the Whitecaps might have managed to win just one of their last four MLS showdowns, they have gained platy of praise for their recent improvements. Suffering just a single defeat from their last six matchups across all formats, there is no doubt that Vanni Sartini’s men now have their sights set on breaking into the Final Series spots. Likewise, along with impressing with their recent gritty displays on the road, Vancouver should also be boosted by their most recent trip to Portland. Eventually picking up an action-packed 3-2 win when they made the trip to Providence Park last season, we could be in for another enjoyable affair in the early hours of Monday morning.

Team News

Picking up a knock against Cincinnati last time out, Vancouver are sweating over the fitness of 29-year-old goalkeeper Cody Cropper.

Bagging his first goal in seven appearances earlier in the week, former Scottish starlet Ryan Gauld should keep his spot here.

Key Factors to Consider

• The last two meetings between Portland and Vancouver have produced 10 goals.
• Portland are unbeaten in each of their five MLS matchups.
• Likewise, the Timbers have also bagged themselves 11 strikes on that five-match unbeaten run.
• Vancouver have suffered just a pair of defeats across all formats since May 22nd.
• The Whitecaps have also lost just one of their last five away fixtures across all formats.

Conclusion

While both sides might still find themselves battling outside the Final Series spots, Portland and Vancouver are enjoying their own impressive bounces. Watching the Timbers storm their way to an eye-catching 3-0 romp away at Seattle last weekend, Monday’s hosts have also gained a real reputation for their free-scoring displays in the final third. Likewise, along with the Greens bagging 11 strikes on their five-match MLS unbeaten run, Vancouver have also breathed life back into their campaign. In a contest that could prove to be another enjoyable affair at Providence Park, it should be noted that Monday’s opponents do have a habit of producing lively affairs. With their last two showdowns producing 10 strikes, we’re backing both teams to find the net here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet